A March Love Note 💌

Hello March 🍀,

I’m easing into this month feeling a little stretched, not overwhelmed, just aware of how full the next few months are going to be.

February gave me a gift, though. My annual trip to New York with my friend Stacey was exactly what I needed. Shopping. Great meals. A Broadway show ("Operation Mincement"  5 ⭐'s!). Walking in Central Park. No agenda beyond being there. I came home rested in a way that only happens when you truly step out of your routine for a few days.

And now…real life again.

The calendar is filling quickly. Show season is around the corner. There’s printing, packaging, planning — all the things I know well after 25 years in this business. And still, each season requires a fresh rhythm.

So March, for me, is about finding steady ground before the pace picks up.

💁‍♀️ Not changing everything.

🐝 Not doing more.

⚓ Just staying anchored.

One small thing that helped last week? I sat down and wrote seven notes in one afternoon. No big reason — just because. And it felt grounding in the best way. Slowing down long enough to put pen to paper reminded me that connection doesn’t have to be complicated.

3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💚:

🛍️ Remembering My Visit to the Frank & Eileen store on Madison Avenue

On our NYC trip, I visited one of my favorite brand's very first brick-and-mortar shop — and it was such a treat. The space is two stories and somehow feels more like an Irish cottage than a retail store. Warm wood, thoughtful details, and it even has a tiny kitchen and living room space...and a secret candy shop 🤫. The whole experience felt intentional and inviting. I did come home with a piece I’ll wear for years, but honestly, what I loved most was seeing how beautifully they brought their brand to life in a physical space.

👂📗 Listening to Strangers: A Wedding Memoir by Belle Burden
I cannot stop listening. I’m on Audible, and it’s narrated by the author, which makes it even more captivating. It’s reflective, observant, and quietly powerful, one of those stories that lingers with you long after you pause it and from what I hear it will likely get a movie deal. Audio books provide great listening material for me while I'm in my office folding and packaging!

🍃 Preparing for a Full Season...Without the Rush
I know the next few months will be busy with shows, printing, and packaging. Instead of bracing for it, I’m trying to move toward it steadily. One list at a time. One project at a time. Calm preparation feels very different from reactive scrambling which is challenging for me but I will try!

Happy March, and cheers to more snail mail 🐌 💌.

With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋

A February Love Note (and a different way to think about Valentine's Day) 💌

Hello February 💕

This month always arrives with a little extra heart and while Valentine’s Day often gets labeled as romantic, I like to think of it as something bigger. An opportunity 💌 .

An opportunity to pause and write a note…not just to a partner, but to a friend who shows up, a co-worker who makes your days easier, a neighbor, or someone who could use a reminder that they matter.

Some of the most meaningful notes I’ve written (and received) had nothing to do with romance. They were about gratitude, encouragement, and connection…emotions that last longer than flowers and chocolate.

Valentine’s Day has always felt like a time for handwritten notes but if writing a Valentine feels like too much, try this instead: “I was thinking about you and wanted you to know…”

As you move through February, I hope you’ll consider sending even just one handwritten note to someone who isn’t expecting it. No pressure. No perfection. Just connection, in some very little ways:

📝 In a short handwritten note left on the counter.
💌 In a card sent “just because.”
🐌 In the simple act of slowing down long enough to write someone’s name.

In case you missed it, I am hosting little Valentine event on Thursday, February 5 from 5 to 7 pm! Please join, me, Rock Goddess Jewelry and Mrs. Hovies Toffee if you’re in the area and can make it!

3 Things I’m Loving This Month 💖:

💘 Valentine’s (of course!)

For all the reasons mentioned above and then some, Valentine’s Day conjures up memories of vintage valentines being passed out to all my early childhood classmates, sometimes with a special treat or message…always a favorite school day for me!

🗽 Annual New York City Trip with Stacey

Every February, for past 10+ years I have had the great blessing of going to NYC with my bestie Stacey…and boy do we have fun: winter walks in Central Park, fine dining, shows, museums, shopping, morning coffee at Saint Ambroeus, discovering new places and lots of laughter. Traveling with a longtime friend hits differently at this stage of life and in all the right ways. I’m so excited…stay tuned for a reel later this month!

🌊 Early Morning Winter Beach Walks

I like to say “this is where the magic happens”…I typically walk several miles along the Esplanade and the Redondo Beach Pier a couple of days a week and oh how it fills my soul. I have had so many incredible experiences in these moments and met some of the most wonderful people. I’ll have to write more on this at a later date but I have stories! This past weekend there were dolphins aplenty too, it can’t help but put you in an elevated mood!

Happy February, and happy writing.

With love (and ink),
Jill
Social Butterfly Designs ✍🏼🦋

A January Love Note 💌

Dear Friends,

For me, January always feels like a fresh page 🗒️. After the hurried pace of December 👟, this quieter month is a time to slow down, clear some space (physically and mentally), and settle into more relaxed and familiar routines.

I am starting 2026 with a little reset -- cleaning out my office and closet (still a work in progress🚪). In the process of going through my main (and very disorganized) desk drawer, I rediscovered a handful of old pens just beautifully sitting there in the midst of all the clutter that "was" my desk drawer. Getting them back in working order was a small but satisfying reminder that sometimes the things we love most are already right in front of us, just waiting to be used again.

I also find the new year as a time to clear the clutter and noise that dilutes me from fulfilling my priorites so I also like to delete the emails I don't need, clean my drawers, cancel unused subscriptions, clear out my closet of things I no longer wear and remove the many apps I don't use. Bonus: I listed over 25 new    items in my Posmark closet and made 3 sales!

This month is all about slowing down, reading, writing, and easing gently into the new year.

Three Things I'm Loving This Month:

✍️ Pens
Old favorites, newly rediscovered. There’s something comforting about reaching for a pen that feels just right and letting the ink flow without rushing. I've been a certified pen snob for most of my life so this one is real for me, 😂. My favorite every day pens still remain the Pilot G-2 Roller pen 0.7 and the Sharpie S-Gel pen 0.7. But these oldies but goodies (see image below) are back up and running and ready to roll!

📚 The Book “The Correspondent”
While I read this last year, I loved this book by Virginia Evans so much as it was a beautiful reminder of the intimacy and timelessness of handwritten letters — and why putting pen to paper still matters. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend it!!

Hoping for more reading in 2026!

🎙️ “The Nerve” Podcast with Maureen Callahan

"The Nerve" with Maureen Callahan is one of my favorite guilty pleasures...home for everything from not-regularly-promoted takes on pop culture to true crime, Maureen masterfully dissects everything with whip smart analysis, humor, and skepticism. Is anyone else a fan?

❤️ With Love,

                                                                         Jill

P.S. Your thoughts are appreciated! With the positive response I received from my first Love Note in December, I have decided to make this a regular monthly email and blog post. I hope you find it of interest Happy New Year!

And, for anyone interested in some before and after office photos 🫠..

A December Love Note 💌 !

Dear Friends,

There’s something about December that always touches my heart. It’s my busiest month of the year, but I love it nonetheless. As I reflect on the blessings of the past year -- family, friends, and the joy of this business -- I’m filled with gratitude 🫶. Celebrating my 25th Anniversary this year has made me even more thankful for Social Butterfly Designs and for all of you who have supported me along the way. December truly is a month full of meaning, if you pause long enough to feel it.

I finished November on such a high note – one of my best month’s ever at Social Butterfly Designs, capped by my best one-day sales record ever at the Special Children’s League event in Palos Verdes! It’s always so rewarding to see familiar faces at my shows and meet so many new customers along the way.

A few holiday standouts clearly emerged this season—my 2026 Desk Calendars and Jill’s Go To Pack seem to be fan favorites. And of course, our holiday gift tags are always a hit. I’m already dreaming up new designs for Holiday 2026!

The highlight of November for me was celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in Santa Barbara, hosted by my sister Liz Brady. Both George and Helen were able to fly in from Chicago, making it only the second time in a year that our family of five was all together 🥹. Being surrounded by family is a blessing beyond words.

A few things I’m loving this month:

Candles! 🕯️ My current favorite is the Nest New York candle created in collaboration with one of my favorite artists  Donald Robertson aka @drawbertson.  Ooh la la!

Cozy sweaters. 🧶 My go-to wardrobe staple this season is a soft, cozy sweater (with oversized sweatshirts a close second!). My most-loved new piece is from Doen, which I wore at my 25th Anniversary Party in October -- I can’t wait to wear it throughout the holidays.

Clare V. bags & straps. 👜 I’m a little obsessed with all the fun strap options from Clare V. My most recent purchase is the shorty strap to go with my Moyen Messenger Bag which which was purchased three years ago but always feels like new when you add a fun new strap! 

Sharing a little SECRET 🤭...I am having a one-day Flash Sale ✨ on my calendars 📅 tomorrow (12/10) where all my 2026 desk calendars will be on sale for $15, a $10 savings!

Wishing you all a festive, sparkling ✨, and JOY-filled December 🎄!

With love 💌 

Jill

Family Time together this Thanksgiving in Santa Barbara.

New Initial Notecards Are Here...Our Best Set Yet!

✨Drumroll please…our brand new set of Initial Cards has arrived! 🎉

Since 2009, I’ve been introducing a fresh set of initial notecards every other year, and this one might just be my most colorful and fun collection yet (9 years and counting!).

These cards are perfect for everyday note writing—whether you’re saying thank you 🙏, sending a little love 💕, or just dropping a cheerful hello 🌸. The bold designs make each letter pop, and the best part? You can swap out any initial to make your card uniquely yours! 🔄

I love how these new designs mix vibrant patterns, playful details, vintage inspiration and a touch of whimsy ✨. They’re a fun way to make even the simplest note feel personal and special. Because really, who doesn’t love opening the mailbox to find a handwritten note in their mailbox? 💌

Card writing ✍️ has been found to be one of the best exercised for improving mood 🫶 and these little initial cards, a staple of my business for over 15 years, are great to have on hand and make the perfect card to send “just because”…go ahead, refresh your stash today and make someone else’s day by sending an unexpected note!

Take a peek at the new collection in the photo above—can you spot your favorite letter? 😉

💌 Celebrate National Letter Writing Day (9/1) and the Power of Putting Pen to Paper 🖋️!

September 1st, is World Letter Writing Day—a day that personally reminds me of the timeless power of a handwritten note!

For me, this day carries a special meaning. Last year, I committed to a year of letter writing. Over the course of 12 months (366 days, accounting for Leap Year), I wrote to friends, family, strangers, mentors, and even my mailman. What started as a personal challenge turned into something much bigger—a journey of connection, gratitude, and discovery.

I have also tagged it as my year of JOY because every single day I was thinking of someone to write to and what I could say to them about what they mean to me and that made me happy and excited for them to receive my words. And on the flip side, I was blessed by the overwhelming feedback I received in return. Give it a try 😉 , and it doesn’t have to be every day…I promise you will find the JOY too 😊!

I learned that the simple act of sitting down with pen 🖋️ and paper 📃 can (and will):
💌 Brighten someone’s entire day.
💌 Create lasting keepsakes that people treasure.
💌 Offer a sense of presence in a digital world.
💌 Heal, encourage, and inspire in ways we sometimes don’t expect.

That journey also deepened the mission behind my business, Social Butterfly Designs, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year 🎉. For 25 years, I’ve been designing stationery and cards with one goal in mind—to help people connect more meaningfully through handwritten notes.

To celebrate this occasion, I’m sharing a resource close to my heart: 14 Note Writing Tips (see image below 👇) with ideas I have been sharing on my Instagram account @socialbutterflydesigns over the past several months. Whether you haven’t written a note in a while or already have a drawer full of stationery, these tips will help spark ideas, ease the pressure of “what do I say?”, and make the process fun again.

Some of my favorites include:
✨ Try writing to someone out of the blue — those unexpected notes often mean the most.
✨ Don’t forget to write to people you live with — a little surprise love note can go a long way.
✨ Write to a stranger — during my letter-writing year, this was one of the most magical experiences.

So, in honor of National Letter Writing Day, I encourage you to:

1. Pick up a pen.

2. Choose someone—anyone—who could use a lift or just a few kind words.

3. Write a note that’s just a few sentences long.

That’s it. No need for perfect wording or fancy stationery (though I won’t say no if you use a favorite design 😉). What matters most is that you take the time.

Because when you put pen to paper, you’re giving someone a piece of yourself—and that gift lasts far longer than a text or email ever could.

Check out “Jill’s Go To” Pack

These four designs were my

“Go To” notes during my year

of letter writing!

SIDE NOTE: This weekend I got together with some lifelong friends and shared a handwritten note one of these friends had written to me in high school and she was so caught off guard to see her handwriting and words (single-lined college ruled paper, double sided front to back) after all these years. She was amazed I still had it and was touched I shared it with her and passed it along. I have so many more where that came from because the thing about notes is that you can hold onto them forever, unlike a text or email, and they still mean something to me and if shared, to the one who wrote them in the first place.

OK, so if you have stuck with me this long, you obviously have some interest in the topic at hand. I am going to be putting together a course which I am (for now) calling The Notewriting Lab, where I am going to go deeper into my own personal note writing experience and share a lot about what I’ve learned over the past 25 years in running my stationery business with tips, personal accounts and some surprises along the way. If you might be interested in such a course, just drop a heart in the comments or send me an email and I will be sure to keep you posted.

Happy National Letter Writing Day, friends! 💕

Jill

Follow along on Instagram @socialbutterflydesigns and @thenotewritinglab. Hope to see you there!

National Stationery Week -- Let's Celebrate the Power of Paper!

Celebrate Snail Mail Magic with Me! 💌

Did you know it’s National Stationery Week? As someone who just completed a year-long handwritten note journey (yep, 366 days of heartfelt words and sentiments!), I couldn't let this week pass without a little fanfare.

To celebrate, I’m debuting something special:
✨ The Jill’s Go-To Pack ✨
A curated set of 8 notecards featuring the 4 designs I reached for again and again during my letter-writing year. Whether it was a thinking-of-you, I appreciate you or a spontaneous "you’ve got this!"—these cards carried my words with just the right vibe.

Why do I love them 🥰?
Because they’re versatile, cheerful, and just the right nudge to get you writing that note you've been meaning to send.

🎨 Jill’s Go-To Pack – 8 notecards, 4 delightful, all-purpose designs I reached for all year long.

🦋 1. Butterfly Trio – “Just for You”
My go-to for thoughtful, anytime notes. Sweet, simple, and perfect for any occassion, especially a “just thinking of you” moment that flutters right into someone’s heart.

🌸 2. Floral Heart – “From the Heart”
This beauty was made for meaningful messages. Whether I was writing to an old friend or sending a dose of encouragement, this card wrapped my words in love.

👯‍♀️ 3. Hello Friend – “Little Things, Big Love”
Bright, playful, and bursting with charm. A note with this card always brought smiles—and reminded me how fun it is to connect just because.

❌⭕ 4. XOXO – “Hugs & Kisses”
Short and sweet, this one says it all. When I wanted to send warmth and love, XOXO did the trick.

So grab your favorite pen, pour something soothing, and celebrate National Stationery Week with a little handwritten joy.

✍️ Put pen to paper. Make someone’s day. Start a ripple of connection.

With paper love,
Jill 💕

P.S. I’m offering a special discount on this card set this week! You can take 20% off this pack with code JILLSGOTO through Friday, May 23rd.

The Jill’s Go To Pack

April is National Letter Writing Month -- Let's Bring Back the Magic of the Mailbox!

Did you know April is National Letter Writing Month? It’s the perfect time to slow down, pick up a pen, and connect with someone the old-fashioned way—with a handwritten note.

I believe there’s something truly special about putting your thoughts on paper. A note in the mail is a little moment of joy, a smile tucked inside an envelope. And in a world buzzing with notifications and emojis, it’s a deeply personal gesture that stands out.

Writing to people is the amazing opposite of social media. Instead of isolating us, it connects us. Instead of being focused on appearance, it focuses on the spirit. Instead of flashy and distracting, it's slow and meaningful, and helps us re-focus and reflect on our relationships.  You can change your whole attitude and help change the mood/day of the lives of the people around you just by writing a simple and thoughtful note 💌. 

Why Letter Writing Still Matters

Think about the last time you opened your mailbox and found something that wasn’t a bill or a catalog. A real letter, addressed just to you in familiar handwriting. Remember that feeling? That little flutter of excitement? That’s the power of handwritten connection!

Whether it’s a thank you note, a birthday wish, a just-because message, or a simple “I miss you”—your words, in your own penmanship, mean more than you know.

Let’s Celebrate All Month Long

To celebrate Letter Writing Month, I’m challenging you to write at least three unexpected notes this month. Here are some ideas:

• Surprise an old friend with a “thinking of you” card

• Send a note to someone who’s helped you recently

• Leave a love note for your spouse, your child—or even your mail carrier

• Drop a few lines to someone you see often but never pause to thank

And of course, I’ve always got you covered with specially-designed note cards to make your words even more memorable. From quirky cards to heartfelt sentiments, each design is made with connection in mind.

Join the Note-Writing Movement

Need a little inspiration? Follow me on Instagram at @socialbutterflydesigns where I’ll continuing to share note writing prompts, ideas, and a peek into my own letter-writing routine.

Let’s bring back the joy of the handwritten note—one letter at a time.

Happy Letter Writing Month!

xx 💕…Jill 🦋 💌

Deciding on a Name and Designing a Logo: A Journey of Evolution

Back in 1999, when the idea for this business was just a spark between two new mom friends who met in a Mommy & Me class, we were clueless about what to call it (fun fact: I originally co-founded Social Butterfly Designs with my friend Susan Mills in 2000). We spent countless hours brainstorming and writing down potential names. We even turned to family and friends to see if any ideas stuck. It wasn’t until my former colleague at Princess Cruises, Diane Elcan, suggested “Social Butterfly” that we both immediately fell in love with the name. There was just one problem—someone had already claimed the domain name!

We knew we wanted to build a website eventually, so we had to get creative. My husband, Paul, came to the rescue with a simple suggestion—why not add “Designs” to the name? And just like that, Social Butterfly Designs was born.

We filed our DBA, opened a bank account, and started designing samples for invitations, holiday cards, and birth announcements in preparation for our November 2000 launch. But there was still one crucial element left—our logo. We needed something that would stand out and represent our brand in the best way possible.

During my time as Manager of Public Relations at Princess Cruises, I developed strong relationships with a talented design firm, Sargent and Berman, based in Santa Monica. Greg Berman and Peter Sargent, the principals of the firm, had become close friends after working together on various logo designs and brochures for Princess Cruises’ new ship launches. In fact, they had even designed my wedding invitations in 1996! They generously agreed to create a few logo comps for us, and this is where we ended up in 2000. While their design fees were beyond our budget, they were kind enough to do this for us pro bono, and I am forever grateful to them.

Fast forward to 2017, after attending Katie Hunt’s Paper Camp in Manhattan Beach, the idea of a rebrand started to make sense. I reached out to my friend Greg, who by then had rebranded his firm as Berman Design Group. Greg and his team worked their magic to refresh our logo, and I absolutely love the result! It’s clean, modern, and perfectly reflects the heart of Social Butterfly Designs.

Now, as I celebrate my 25th anniversary this year—I wanted to create something special to commemorate this milestone. This time, I decided to design it myself. I wanted to incorporate “25 years” into the design, but I didn’t want to ask another favor. After some thought, I ran my ideas past Greg, and he suggested something simple yet meaningful—use my own handwriting under the original logo. Since my handwriting has always been a personal part of my work, it felt like the perfect fit.

And so, the new look for my business cards and commemorative bookmark was born! Every purchase this year will come with a bookmark to celebrate our 25 years.

What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

A Look Back: Riding the Creative Wave -- My "Endless Summer" Collaboration

Looking back on 25 years of Social Butterfly Designs, there many moments that shaped my journey, but few compare to the thrill of 2010—when I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with Bruce Brown Films and The Endless Summer through a licensing agreement.

For a lifelong admirer of great design and iconic imagery, working with The Endless Summer was very exciting for me. The legendary 1966 surf documentary, with its striking poster art by John Van Hamersveld, captured the spirit of adventure, freedom, and endless possibility which has stood the test of time. Through my special licensing agreement, I was able to create new designs using the original artwork, reimagining elements of that classic, sun-soaked aesthetic in a fresh way.

The process was both exciting and humbling. The enormity of working with such a beloved piece of surf culture wasn’t lost on me. I wanted to honor its legacy while incorporating my own artistic touch. Seeing those designs come to life—and knowing they resonated with fellow Endless Summer fans—was definitely a highlight for me at what was then the 10 year mark of my business.

Now, looking back, I realize how much this project reinforced what I love most about design: its ability to connect people, evoke nostalgia, and tell a story. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a thoughtfully crafted illustration, or a piece of history given a new life, creativity has the power to bring us all together.

This is a set of postcards I created for the line, which were sold at the Huntington Beach Surf Museum

This was just one wave in my creative journey, but it’s one I’ll always be grateful I got to ride.

Do you remember the first time you saw The Endless Summer? I’d love to hear your memories in the comments!

Noteworthy -- An Article on my 2024 Letter Writing Journey

It was an honor to be featured in the Winter/Spring 2025 issue of Torrance Memorial’s Pulse magazine.
Read more below;

Valentine’s Day is a Day of Cards, Flowers, Love and Chocolate!

Every February, candy, flowers, and gifts are exchanged across the country in the name of St. Valentine. But who exactly was this mysterious saint, and why do we celebrate this holiday? While the history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery, we do know it has long been considered the month of romance.

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest card-sending holidays of the year. In the U.S., the first commercial Valentine’s cards were produced in the 1840s by Esther A. Howland, often called the “Mother of the Valentine.” She popularized elaborate cards featuring lace, ribbons, and colorful pictures, known as “scrap.”

History

1. ❤️ Saint Valentine’s Mystery: There were at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend suggests he secretly married couples to avoid Roman soldiers being forced into single life.

2. ❤️ Roman Roots: Some historians believe Valentine’s Day may have originated from the ancient Roman festival Lupercalia, a fertility celebration held in mid-February.

3. ❤️ First Written Valentine: The oldest known Valentine’s message was sent in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orléans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

4. ❤️ Cupid’s Origins: The cherubic Cupid we associate with love today comes from Eros, the Greek god of love, desire, and attraction.

5. ❤️ Esther A. Howland: Dubbed the “Mother of the American Valentine,” Howland commercialized Valentine’s Day cards in the 1840s.

Present Day

1. ❤️ Card-Sending Craze: Around 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent annually, making it the second-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas.

2. ❤️ Women Send the Most Valentines.: About 85% of Valentine’s cards are purchased by women.

3. ❤️ Worldwide Celebrations: Valentine’s Day is popular in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., France, and Australia, with growing popularity in Japan and South Korea.

4. ❤️ Sweet Tooth Holiday: Over 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolates are sold annually in the U.S. for Valentine’s Day. Richard Cadbury invented the first Valentines Day candy box in the late 1800s.

5. ❤️ Pet Love: Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on Valentine’s gifts for their pets.

🎊 Cue the Confetti—Social Butterfly Designs is Turning 25 in ‘25! 🦋✨

I’m feeling all the emotions ❤️‍🔥 as I write this because this milestone represents more than just a number—it’s the celebration of a journey that has been incredibly personal to me. 2025 marks the 25th year of Social Butterfly Designs—an entire quarter century of creating, designing, and delivering countless invitations and paper creations for all of you. It has been, without a doubt, one of my life’s greatest
passions 💋.

Today, as I step into this anniversary year, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that has brought me here, the amazing people who have supported this business, and the exciting ways I will celebrate this milestone with you.

🧐 A Look Back 🔍

What started as a small stationery business focused on designing invitations has blossomed into something far greater than I could have ever imagined. Social Butterfly Designs has never just been about invitations, greeting cards, and paper goods; it has been about fostering genuine connections, celebrating life’s special moments, and providing ways to share the simple yet powerful act of putting pen to paper. Every design, every product, every invitation, and every heartfelt note I’ve created has been from the heart, and has brought me so much joy!

I have been absolutely blown away by the love and support you’ve shown me over the years. I started this journey back in 2000 (anyone remember Y2K? 😂). My two oldest kids, George and Helen, were only 3 and 1, and my youngest, Audrey, wasn’t even born yet! Here’s a snapshot of our family back then (left) and my son’s birth announcement (right), with a special story behind it below.

This little hand-drawn, hand-painted watercolor birth announcement I created for George (now 27!) in 1997 (yes, I painstakingly hand-painted over 150 of them 🤯…and did anyone note my son’s birth weight 🫢…he ended up being born via c-section 😮‍💨) was a turning point for me. It was in that moment I made the life-changing decision to leave my 14-year corporate job in public relations at Princess Cruises to stay home and raise my family. This birth announcement played a major role in inspiring me to start my own graphic design and stationery bbusiness just three years later.

After years of designing my own holiday cards and receiving encouragement from family and friends, Social Butterfly Designs officially launched on November 1, 2000. I initially started the business with my friend Susan Mills 👯 who shared my passion and creative vision. We worked together for a few years, but for the majority of this journey, I’ve been on my own—learning, growing, and evolving every step of the way.

⤵️ Then vs. Now: The Realities of the Day 💻

Back in 2000, people were still using flip phones, and Facebook or Instagram didn’t exist yet! Designs were hand-drawn more often than digitally created, and my workspace was the back corner of my dining room table, piled with stacks of paper, ribbons, embellishments and cutting tools instead of sleek design software (and because cell phone cameras weren’t a thing yet, I don’t have photos of this scene ☹️). But one thing hasn’t changed—the joy of sending and receiving a heartfelt, handwritten note in the mail 💌.

Brad Pitt was the “Sexiest Man Alive” and flip phones and Razor scooters were all the rage in the year 2000.

🥂 A Year of Celebration 🍾

To honor this incredible milestone, I have some special things planned throughout this year! From behind-the-scenes looks into my creative process, to exclusive anniversary designs, giveaways, and maybe even a few surprises (think limited-edition designs, nostalgic throwbacks, and maybe even a special collaboration… stay tuned!), this will be a year filled with gratitude and celebration. I want to take you along for the ride 🎢 —sharing cherished memories from the past 25 years while looking ahead to all the exciting things still to come!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of this journey and for joining me to make this anniversary year one to remember!

I’d love to hear from you! Do you have a favorite Social Butterfly Designs card or invitation you’ve kept over the years? Drop a comment or share a photo—I’d love to take a trip down memory lane with you!

P.S. The best way to keep up with these 25th anniversary updates is to follow this blog and/or follow me on instagram @socialbutterflydesigns.

🎉 Introducing Our First-Ever Customer Favorites Card Set! 🎉

For the first time, I’ve curated a special collection featuring one card each from our 10 most popular card sets of 2024! 🌟 This vibrant mix includes birthday, thank you, sentiment, and picture cards—perfect for any occasion that calls for heartfelt connection.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Set

• Versatile & Ready for Anything: From birthdays to thoughtful thank-yous, this collection has you covered.

• Customer-Approved Favorites: These are the cards YOU loved most in 2024, making this set a tried-and-true winner!

• Bright & Beautiful: Each card was designed with love and thought, and is sure to bring joy to both you and your recipients.

🖊️ Stay Prepared for 2025
No more last-minute scrambles for the perfect card! With this set of 10 versatile greeting cards, you’ll have a go-to solution for all your note writing needs in the year ahead.

💌 Special Offer
As a thank-you for your support, enjoy 10% off your order with code TOP10. 🎁 Stock up now and be ready to send love, gratitude, and celebration into the world—one handwritten note at a time.

✨ Limited Edition
This exclusive collection is only available for a short time—don’t miss out!

Our 10 most popular cards from 2024 now available in one set!

👉 Click here to grab your set and keep your 2025 card stash stocked with favorites!

Wrapping Up my 2024 Note Writing Journey

Last year (I cannot believe today is January 1st), I committed to writing a note to someone every day since January 1, 2024…and yesterday marked my 366th note (accounting for Leap Year of course)!

It’s been a remarkable and incredible experience with so many unexpected surprises and connections along the way. I have no words for how meaningful it has been and how much JOY it has brought me.

I’ve put a lot of thought into who I would send my last note to, and how meaningful this note was to me.  While I’m keeping this to myself, I can share that it felt like the perfect way for me to close this chapter.

my last note!

While this isn’t really the end of my note writing journey—in many ways, it’s just the beginning! In the days ahead, I’ll be sharing more about what I’ve learned and how it’s inspired me to create something special for anyone who wants to experience similar connections through handwritten note writing.

I hope you’ll follow along and stay tuned for what’s next…I’m pretty excited about it!